It's when the weather starts getting cooler and the leaves begin to change colors that natural attractions in Nebraska really shine. The trees and prairies light up in shades of gold, orange, and red, putting on a show in the way that only the natural world of the Cornhusker State can. There are hundreds of scenic drives to take during fall in Nebraska to enjoy the spectacle of autumn, routes in all forms and iterations, but a drive down the Heritage Highway in the heart of our state offers up the best fall colors in Nebraska.

Autumn is for cozying up and enjoying the beauty of the great outdoors with a cup of coffee in hand. Make sure you experience the heart of Nebraska before the cold sets in! Grab some hot cocoa and pack up the car, because the fall colors in Nebraska are truly something to celebrate.

Heritage Highway is widely known as Highway 136, and it's one of the most popular scenic routes in Nebraska. It cuts through the south-central part of the state, beginning in Edison and ending in the city of Brownville.

The scenic byway of Heritage Highway takes you through some of Nebraska's richest historical treasures as well as a stretch of pristine landscape. Prairies, rivers, and forests are all found along the route. The Heritage Byway itself runs for 238 miles in total, and has been listed as a main "Sight of America." It's also considered a "Trail of Treasures" in the state of Nebraska.

Some of the greatest treasures you'll find are the small towns along the route. Take some extra time, slow down, and maybe explore some of these beautiful places on your journey. There's really no way to go wrong on a trip like this. You can come and stop along the way, maybe pack a lunch and picnic. You can't go wrong indulging in the beauty of an autumnal adventure. Of course, these are only some of the greatest small towns in Nebraska.

Heritage Highway offers not only spectacular sights from the car, but plenty of fascinating side trips as well. Take a detour to visit Rock Creek Station along the way and soak up some of the rich cultural heritage of the area. Rock Creek Station once operated as a stagecoach station and Pony Express stop, and now operates as a historic park. It's open from 9am to 5pm every day of the week. Explore more of Rock Creek Station in this YouTube video from BarnYard Outdoors:

From start to finish, the trip will take around four hours. That's not counting any stops or side trips you might choose to make. It can be extended or shortened, a day trip or an overnight adventure. There are no boundaries here! Just enjoyment.

Keep your eyes peeled for areas near rivers and creeks. This is where you'll find the most lush vegetation, and it truly seems as if the leaves of the area just light up. The colors in this picture are what this drive is all about! The beauty of fall colors in Nebraska.

The terminus of the journey is in Brownville, an adorable little town tucked quietly away in the Missouri River Valley in southeastern Nebraska. There are all sorts of opportunities for coffee or a quick lunch right there in town. Just a short drive south of Brownville is Indian Cave State Park, which offers some of the finest foliage viewing in the state.

The promotional video below provides more information about the attractions and side trips you can visit along the route.

https://youtu.be/SjhMS6oLOlw

However, it's completely acceptable to just stay on the road and enjoy the view from your car. We may not be as famous for our fall foliage as, say, certain spots in New England, but we don't mind. They can keep their "leaf peepers" - we'll keep all of this natural beauty to ourselves.

Not up to this particular trek but still want to enjoy the beauty of nature in Nebraska in the fall? Here are all nine of Nebraska's designated scenic byways - take your pick and get out to enjoy the colors this autumn. There's no better way to fall in love with your state then to spend some time exploring it, and there's no end to the scenic opportunities of the midwest. Fall in love with our state while viewing the best fall colors in Nebraska.